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Kenneth Mars Obituary
In a statement Monday, Mars' family said the actor died Saturday of pancreatic cancer at his home in Grenada Hills.
In Brooks' 1968 romp "The Producers," Mars co-starred as Franz Liebkind, a Nazi enthusiast whose play, "Springtime for Hitler," is the basis for a scheme by two conniving showmen (Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder) to bilk investors by putting on a surefire Broadway flop.
Brooks cast Mars again in 1974's "Young Frankenstein" as the constable poking around the castle grounds on the trail of mad scientist Wilder's monster.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
69 Entries
Herbert Kenneth Chew
December 6, 2022
Lovely family name of Kenneth Mars.
Amy Lozano
July 24, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
You are great King Triton in The Little Mermaid (1989), its sequel and TV series and Grandpa Longneck from The Land Before Time sequels and TV series.
My heart goes to the Mars family and sending deepest condolences and sympathy.
June 20, 2018
He was an amazing actor
Elizabeth & Anna Holt
September 5, 2012
We love & miss you Grandpa Longneck
How you can show support
Elizabeth & Anna Holt
September 5, 2012
We will love and remember you always as Grandpa Longneck love and miss you E&A Holt
David Mack
March 20, 2011
I have watched " What's Up,Doc" a hundred times at least. Kenneth Mars was absolutely brilliant! My favorite line. " Don't touch me I'm a doctor" judge.. Of what? "Music" judge can u fix a hi-fi? " No Sir". Judge. " than shut up!"! You will be missed Kenneth.
Sue Keyes
March 15, 2011
My heart goes out to Ken's family and loved ones. A very charming gentleman, he will be greatly missed in our Granada Hills neighborhood.
Dan and Sue Keyes
Barbra Streisand
March 6, 2011
Hugh and Madeline were the real stars of What's Up Doc. A funnier human being I have never met.
God Bless!
Heather C.` Gold
February 22, 2011
Ken was a patient of my family practice medical office in Los Angeles for many years before I retired and moved to Palm Desert. He became a valued friend and always a great source of camaraderie, bomhomie and just plain fun to be around, for many years after! My wife Heather and I are terribly saddened to hear of his death .. he just seemed larger than life and might very well go on forever. We send
our heartfelt condolences to his family at this saddening news.
Ralph R. Gold, M.D.
D. H.
February 21, 2011
Mr. Mars graciously signed an autograph for me many years ago as I tried to express to him how great I thought his comic talent was. He was one of a kind,and I'm honored to have met him.
February 17, 2011
Bless the family of Kenneth Mars! He was a very funny man and knew how to do an accent. "To the lumber yard"
Kenn Hintzsche (sandwich, IL)
Hal Balbach
February 16, 2011
I remember Ken fondly from the time we were teens in Chicago. He was a great guy who knew everyone wherever we went...and made them laugh most of the time as well.
Jeffrey Neville
February 16, 2011
My heart goes out to Kenneth's family for your loss. Kenneth Mars warmed our hearts with his unique delivery of humor and left us with much laughter from his great comic acting. He's gone from us all too soon but the memories will endure as long as the great screen is enjoyed by people now and in generations to come.
February 16, 2011
We have lost a very funny man. He will be missed. Thanks for the laughter....Footsteps! Footsteps!! Pauline Bruce (Phoenix, AZ)
Harts
February 16, 2011
Our condolences to Kenneth's family. We were so sorry for your loss. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort be with you all. With deep sympathy,
michael miller
February 16, 2011
he was a funny man..i liked him
Mines family
February 16, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Mars family. Those we love left us gifts in the form of memories that no one can take away. May the tender mercy of God always be with the family. And may the prayers of others help in some small way.
Dan Juraska
February 16, 2011
beside the two roles mentioned he was also on Malcome in the Middle as the oldest brotheer's boss on a dude ranch. Very funny guy.
Mark M
February 16, 2011
A great loss to the entertainment world, but there'll be plenty of laughs in Heaven ... Thank you.
The Popenhagen family
February 16, 2011
It's a wonderful gift, to make people laugh. Thank you so much for sharing it with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and close friends, from some of your many distant movie and television friends.
February 15, 2011
Thanks for the many laughs Kenneth Mars... You shall live forever in the roles you played ( TJH, Bayonne, NJ )
Carl Niemeier
February 15, 2011
Deepest sympathy to the Mars family. The courtroomm scene in the movie what's up doc will make me laugh for as long as I live. The Hugh exchange shows the comic genious of Mr. Mars.
Gloria & Ray Adamonis
February 15, 2011
Bowen High School & Kenneth Mars, Jimmy, Nick,Fred. Wonderful memories of friendship and laughter. Rest in Peace, Kenny...you are in our prayers.
The Verrilla Family
February 15, 2011
Our deepest condolences to your family.
The Lampasona Family
February 15, 2011
Very few actors captured audiences the way Kenneth did. He is among the great ones. Our deepest condolences to his family.
Thomas Hanson
February 15, 2011
Thank you Kenneth Mars for doing what no one else could do without being laughed off the stage. Your 'parts' are still my favorites.
T.D. Hanson
P,C
February 15, 2011
May the God of all comfort and peace be with the family of Mars.May knowing others care help in the days ahead.John5:28,29.
Richard Pigott
February 15, 2011
"You are the audience. I am the author. I OUTRANK YOU!!!" Many thanks Mr Mars for all the memories.
Raejean French
February 15, 2011
His characters were UNFORGETTABLE!!!
Dan Antonoff
February 15, 2011
I don't know whose idea it was to cut a golf ball in half attach to pieces of string to it and claim that his chinidontist insisted that he wear it. But William W D Bud Prize played it to perfection.
Thanks Mr. Mars!
Barbara Sexton
February 15, 2011
You will always have fond memories. Watching him made me laugh. A great showman.
M. Wojciechowska
February 15, 2011
I loved him in The Producers and YF. Condolences to his family.
Mary Jeffers
February 15, 2011
Remembering Kenneth Mars: So sorry for your loss. May you rest in peace!
Joseph and Nina Roppo
February 15, 2011
Oh, what a talent the world has lost. My heart was full of laughter and love everytime Mr. Mars was on the screen or my t.v. Our sincerest condolences to all who were touched and thrilled by his gifts.
Len and Cheryl Dooley
February 15, 2011
Our deepest condolences to Susannah and Rebecca and all the grandkids beloved by Ken. The Fourth of July fireworks will never seem as brilliant without Ken's running commentary accompanied by his companion Toni's laughter( (now THAT was a sparkler : ) He brought light and laughter to any gathering and we are better people just to know him.
Len and Cheryl Dooley
February 15, 2011
Our deepest condolences to Susannah and Rebecca and all the grandkids beloved by Ken. The Fourth of July fireworks will never seem as brilliant without Ken's running commentary accompanied by his companion Toni's laughter (now THAT was a sparkler : ). He brought light and laughter to any gathering and we are better people just for knowing him.
Larry Abels
February 15, 2011
Every time I say something to someone and they say "huh?", My knee-jerk response is still, "fooshstomps!, fooshstomps!, fooshstomps!". My sincere condolences to the Mars family.
Gail Siegel
February 15, 2011
Deeply saddened to learn of your passing. You have made me laugh uncontrolably in your many movie rolls.
My heartfelt condolences to your family & friends.
Rest In Peace, Kenneth Mars. Join your former co-stars in Heaven and make God laugh.
Scott Songer
February 15, 2011
I loved Mr. Mars in everything he did, but my favorite was his turn in "What's up Doc?". He was one of those actors who was versatile enough to play any role to perfection. He will be greatly missed.
Carol Perel
February 15, 2011
My deepest regret to the Mars Family and friends. He gave us so much joy through his performances.
Paul Carr
February 15, 2011
You delighted millions with your genius and and stole the show in "What's Up Doc?" -- not an easy feat when you're up there with two greats like Streisand and Kahn. Your talent will live on and entertain generations to come. May you rest in peace.
Mike B
February 15, 2011
I loved him in the Producers, Young Frankenstein and Malcolm in the Middle as Otto. Makes me sad, right up there for me with Harvey Korman passing. I wish his family the best and will keep them in my prayers. Thanks for making us laugh RIP
Rick Briggs
February 15, 2011
Sorry to hear of your loss. I was just thinking about spring time for Hitler the other day.
Dennis Hendrickson
February 15, 2011
What a brilliant comedic actor. In addition to the Mel Brooks epics, I remember Bud Prize on Fernwood 2-Night and America 2-Night. My deepest regrets to the Mars family. May he rest in peace.
BA Bernatzky
February 15, 2011
Thank you for being so excellent... so very funny. I will always love you.
Jean Liben
February 15, 2011
Our sincerest condolences go out to Mr. Mars' family. He was one of the best and funniest actors we had the pleasure of seeing in the movies. His timing was impeccable and he made all the parts he played believeable. May he rest in peace and we will all have fond memories of Mr. Mars. Jean and Martin Liben, Hull, Massachusetts
Elizabeth Straub
February 15, 2011
Thank you ,Mr. Mars, for all the laughter.....I remember you from my childhood and got reaquainted with you as "Otto" on "Malcolm in the Middle" and shared many great laughs with my children watching you.....you will be missed in our home! RIP
Sam Poznanovich
February 15, 2011
My condolences to the family of a Bowen High School classmate.
Sam Poznanovich
Reed Family
February 15, 2011
Mars Family,
Our sincere condolences. I know he will be missed. What fond memories, he was so funny. May God give you all the needed strenght to endure. May the power beyond what is normal be God’s and not that out of ourselves. for He see your pain of heart.
February 15, 2011
Funny guy!! His humor will be timeless ...
Brenda Henson
February 15, 2011
Loved this character actor and am sad to hear of his passing. Will never forget him in "What's up Doc?" as a pompous jerk!
Victoria VZj
February 15, 2011
GodBless you "Kenneth"
many laughs you brought us
throught the movie of legacy..
rest well inside a spiritual
journey`rest in peace
Eraina Woodworth
February 15, 2011
Mr. Mars was funny x 100 as a comedic actor. Rest in peace.
David J Bhaltazhar Esq
February 14, 2011
One of my all time favorites was Hogans Heroes. Long live the silver screen!
Thanks Ken,
~xXx~
Derby Gisclair
February 14, 2011
Thank you for the smiles and the laughter you brought to our lives. Now it's your turn to sit back and enjoy the show.
John F. Perrelli
February 14, 2011
Thank you for the many laughs that you gave us. God bless you and your family. R.I.P.
George McCann
February 14, 2011
I think his greatest role was "Hugh Simon" in the 1974 comedy "What's Up Doc" with Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neil.
Eic Good
February 14, 2011
Thanks for all the laughs, I will always love Inspector Kemp.Your talent has no bounds. God Bless you and everyone you ever touched. Rest in peace.
F W
February 14, 2011
Thank you for all the happiness you talent brought to this world. RIP
M. L.
February 14, 2011
Eternal Rest my friend...... Thanks for the giggles!
SCOTT CHAMBERLAND
February 14, 2011
REST IN PEACE
Gwen & Mark Smith
February 14, 2011
A most enjoyable actor,funny guy,RIP HERR Kenneth
Eve
February 14, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the family and know that God will comfort your heart in your time of loss. Psalms 34:15
Bob Drazmol
February 14, 2011
So sorry to hear of his passing. Enjoyed his acting in the many roles he played.
M D
February 14, 2011
Mr Mars was a classic! What a sense of humor and a love for what he did. Every time I see someone in an arm cast, I think of him forcing his arm back down to his side. RIP, Ken....thanks for the laughs...
February 14, 2011
He was a great actor. He made me laugh. God bless him.
I M SABOO
February 14, 2011
KEN MARS WAS A COMEDIC GENIUS AND WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED
Chuck Shea
February 14, 2011
Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us and for creating the wonderful memories
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